Building Local Expertise in African Defencetech

Nigeria-based Terra Industries, a leading defence technology startup that has secured $34 million in funding this year from investors like 8VC and Lux Capital, is addressing its talent needs through an innovative partnership with Miva Open University. The collaboration will establish robotics and drone laboratories across Miva’s learning centres, starting with a pilot program in Abuja.

The initiative aims to cultivate local expertise by providing students with practical experience in designing, assembling, testing, and flying drones as part of their academic curriculum. Terra will provide hands-on workshops, faculty training, internships, and job opportunities for top performers—recognizing that the company’s growth depends on building a skilled workforce.

Scaling Defence Technology Manufacturing

Terra currently operates a 15,000-square-foot drone manufacturing facility in Abuja (the largest in Africa) and is expanding with a 34,000-square-foot plant in Ghana. These facilities support the company’s mission to protect infrastructure assets valued at approximately $11 billion across eight African countries.

As CEO Nathan Nwachuku noted earlier this year: “Security technology should not always be imported when local innovation can respond faster and more effectively.” This philosophy extends beyond hardware; Terra is focused on building a comprehensive ecosystem that includes skilled personnel, robust training programs, and strategic partnerships.

Addressing National Defence Needs

The partnership aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. The Nigerian Army has acknowledged the need for greater local expertise in drone technology, while lawmakers have called for a “National Drone Industrialisation Policy” to support the sector’s growth from entrepreneurship to strategic industry.

Miva’s chancellor, Sim Shayaga, emphasized that by mastering autonomous systems and robotics, students will be prepared to solve real-world challenges facing Nigeria. This approach is gaining traction in Africa’s defence sector, where companies are increasingly investing in talent development alongside hardware manufacturing.